KITTERY -- The Kittery Community Center at Frisbee Common has announced the name Star Theatre for its new 2,500 square foot performing arts center.

The newly transformed space offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and retractable seating for 171. The theatre is incorporated into the Community Center’s overall 55,000 square foot renovation of the former c.1940 Frisbee School.

The beautiful high brick space offers a unique venue to the surrounding region for a wide range of activities from live theatre, music and dance to movie screenings, weddings and community meetings. Galleries adjacent to the theatre offer space for visual arts exhibitions.

The Star Theatre name recognizes the generosity of the lead donor to the project -- the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation -- a family foundation based in New York’s Hudson River Valley. Ogden Foundation trustee and Kittery Point resident, Peter Lamb, commented, “The family owned and operated Star Expansion Industries for nearly a hundred years. We have a long history of supporting the arts and community based projects that encourage the creative economy and environmental stewardship. This project renovated a terrific old building, aggregates many community activities under one roof and is adjacent to the Spruce Creek watershed.”

Funding to fully outfit the theatre came from dozens of individuals, businesses and organizations and totaled nearly $150,000. The Ogden Foundation partnered with the Maine Community Foundation to issue a challenge matching grant to encourage additional contributors. “It’s great to see so many who now have a stake in the ongoing success of the Community Center!” Lamb continued.

The Kittery Community Center is quickly becoming known for its high quality programs including sports, child care, youth & adult programming, community events, dance and fitness. Center Director Janice Grady added, “Star Theatre has given us an important arts component to the overall Community Center mission. It enables us to reach out to the surrounding region and build on Kittery’s growing reputation as a cultural destination. We are very grateful to the many donors who have made this all possible. And, It’s fun to recognize the support of the Ogden Foundation in this way, because everyone loves a Star!”